0:13

Putting. These stories out is basically an

0:15

act of faith at this point that

0:17

they will even reach you. Just listening

0:19

to some information about the Four Point

0:21

Nine Earthquake in New York that happened

0:23

today. We

0:26

don't know what's coming next,

0:28

but can't be good years

0:31

out of the swells Number

0:33

Thirteen Hill The Academy for

0:35

Children of Excellence part to.

0:45

I stared into the dark doorway, the tall

0:47

man having disappeared and side. We

0:50

need a couple minutes air called out

0:52

to him. A moment later, the door

0:54

slammed shut. Again,

0:57

I sat in a little voice, what are

1:00

you doing here. I'm

1:02

trying to document what's happening so I can

1:04

get appropriate help for the family. But you're

1:06

a tech guy, You're not a researcher. It's

1:10

a good question Judith commented, and you're

1:12

sleeping in their guest room. And

1:15

with your history I pointed out I thought you weren't

1:17

going to mess with the stuff anymore. Eric

1:20

kept at a crack in the pavement,

1:22

avoiding our eyes. You

1:25

need to go home. I said

1:27

quietly. It.

1:29

Will follow me He replied i can't do

1:32

that to Noah. What

1:34

exactly do you mean? I

1:37

had a dream about a week before

1:39

I got the footage from that ghost

1:41

hunter. I'd never even heard of this

1:43

place before then, but I had a

1:45

dream about that building with the gymnasium.

1:47

I was in their shooting baskets and

1:49

these boys came out under the court.

1:51

They started teasing me, you know, old

1:53

high school staff making fun of me

1:55

for being gay. It got nasty and

1:57

they attacked me. It was incredibly vivid.

1:59

The. I woke up. I figured it was

2:02

just some stress and strain. I

2:04

was eighty thousand they had hurt when

2:06

I went into the bathroom and saw

2:08

my reflection. I had a black guy

2:10

and my nose is bleeding. There.

2:12

Are bruises on my legs and arms. And

2:16

you didn't think to mention this before now. Judas

2:19

demanded. It scared me

2:21

I didn't tell anyone I haven't been involved

2:23

in this world know long time except for

2:25

occasionally cleaning up footage for the guy who

2:27

reached out to me about this place. Eric

2:30

lot of breath and frustration. So

2:34

I had a dream. I had the dream and

2:36

a few days later that guy the one his

2:38

team attempted to stake out the gymnasium called me

2:40

and asked me to take a look at the

2:42

footage they captured. He wanted to see if I

2:45

could brighten up a bit. I agreed and when

2:47

I watch the footage. To recognize the

2:49

gym exact same one from a dream.

2:52

He told the guy. And he caught me up

2:54

and what was happening on the property and

2:56

felt like more than a coincidence. That had

2:58

been six teenage boys who are said to

3:00

haunt the building. It had been six kids

3:02

who beat me up in my dream. Yikes

3:06

and murdered. Strange.

3:09

Something You have Any connection to this place? Eric

3:12

looks guilty. Or

3:14

do you. And

3:17

good was my uncle, my mom's

3:19

brother. Said

3:22

explained Unable to keep in

3:24

the nervous laughter in the

3:26

world. Has

3:28

that's our family secret. Did

3:30

you know this? I asked you to. She

3:33

shook her head. This is the first time

3:35

I'm hearing it. Hold on. That

3:37

is weird. The two of you seem

3:39

to be running parallel investigations here by

3:42

are sharing. Anything with each other

3:44

way. You don't

3:46

understand the station. To the explained

3:48

it creeps up on yet sneaky. Okay,

3:52

there you go right there. Neither of

3:54

you are acting like yourselves. We.

3:57

should go inside said eric Oh,

4:00

they can hang on a minute. Dude has snapped. They

4:02

act like we're on the payroll. I

4:05

eyed her. I cannot stress

4:07

enough how freaking weird the two of you are

4:09

being. I turned to Eric. But

4:11

back up. You looked at the footage, realized it

4:13

was from your dream, and knew it was your

4:16

uncle's place? No, I didn't

4:18

know you as a relative until I came down here and

4:20

did some research at the Historical Society. There

4:23

wasn't much information about the guy online, but there was

4:25

plenty in the town newspaper. So

4:28

it was the dream that pushed you to come down here.

4:32

That and the thing in our

4:34

yard. I let out

4:36

a noise of frustration. I

4:38

feel like I'm pulling teeth. What thing in

4:41

your yard? There's

4:43

someone that looks like me that we kept

4:46

seeing at the property line. Noah saw him,

4:48

or at first. He was outside with Hamish

4:50

and saw me back in the woods. When

4:52

I didn't answer him, when he called,

4:54

he walked towards where I'd been and apparently

4:56

I disappeared after walking

4:58

behind a tree. He said I was

5:00

there and then I was gone. And the thing that freaked him

5:03

out was that Hamish didn't follow him when

5:05

he went to get me. He went

5:07

back to the back door and scratched to be let inside. And

5:10

then I saw the double on my way

5:12

back from a run. At first I thought it was

5:14

just another guy out jogging, but

5:17

then I realized that we were synchronized.

5:20

We were in lock step. I

5:22

stopped and he stopped. I put

5:24

my hand to my side because I had a stitch and

5:26

he did the same. It was freaky. His

5:29

back was to me and I held up

5:31

a hand to wave, to test it, you know, to see

5:33

if he would do the same. He

5:36

did and then he turned around to look at me.

5:38

I realized we were even wearing the same

5:41

clothes. An old ratty something natural t-shirt I

5:43

got ages ago on Nantucket. It was impossible.

5:46

It was me. He just stared,

5:48

then turned and jogged off down the road.

5:53

Oh, I said, dread trickling through

5:55

my body. I Glanced over

5:57

at my car, wanting to get in and speed home. Oh.

6:01

Shoot. At parent it does this ring a bell with

6:03

you. Know be. Crushed.

6:06

Thought he saw me behind our house pass

6:08

defense. He was adamant it was me, but

6:10

I wasn't back there. I mean, I never

6:12

go back there. There's no need. Either

6:15

you medals at the same fine. Do. That

6:18

guest. I. Nodded. Well,

6:20

at least you know your protection. they're holding up. Cat

6:24

had a little blonde demon in

6:26

her bedroom. I pointed out because

6:28

she invited it in. Judas countered.

6:30

you cast it out. Hold.

6:33

On it presented as a little blonde

6:35

girl given to me that Iraqs attitude

6:37

is. Why? It's

6:40

in that house he said, motioning to

6:43

the imposing structure beside us. I seen

6:45

her. I thought it was weird because.

6:47

This was an all boys school and there's no

6:49

record of lock having his own children. Navy

6:52

Us at the same one I suggested

6:54

hopefully and in dancing shoes the same

6:56

place. Do you

6:59

really think it could be? This

7:01

many coincidences? Judith asked

7:03

skeptically. Time I

7:05

agonized. I get why you're here. I

7:07

pointed to Eric. but what does this

7:09

place has to do with me or

7:11

you I said gesturing to do that.

7:15

I had a dream kale, She admitted.

7:18

I was in that awful chapel locking down

7:20

the center around towards the front and I

7:22

saw myself my double lock out from behind

7:24

occur and and stuff up to the pulpit.

7:27

And the dream: I ran out of the church to

7:29

get away from it and follow that path all the

7:31

way back up here site where we're standing. There

7:34

is the sign over there. She.

7:36

Gestured to the front of the house. On

7:39

it was the name of the school when

7:41

I woke up and the name up in

7:43

a little reading but couldn't find any significant

7:45

connections to me. and then Era called me

7:48

that afternoon. Tea

7:51

I breathed. Have

7:53

you have anywhere to insult me? She.

7:55

I. Know. My

7:57

mean, yes and their wicked did it. But nothing

7:59

about the. What?

8:01

Are you dreaming about Eric asked. Well.

8:05

I had wondering where it had been pouring for

8:07

days and I looked at our kitchen window and

8:10

a river of water had washed away parts of

8:12

our sense. Power lines were down over the street.

8:14

In there was a massive tree on top of

8:16

the car and neighbor's driveway. And

8:18

had me too. Stressed.

8:24

She. Shook her head. Know

8:27

grandson. Of

8:29

walk. With. Coming. She.

8:31

Said sounding a touch in the lead. You

8:34

know what those things and the sinkhole told

8:37

you while back every sensitive I know isn't

8:39

so much sleeping now, his future tripping every

8:41

night. What? Things

8:43

and a sinkhole. Eric assed Wide

8:45

eyed. Texts in

8:48

brackets check out the story number sixty

8:50

one. I swear to God of

8:52

this means we have to move again to hear

8:54

what some sinkhole known had to say about our

8:56

future. And but. It's

9:01

a long story I offered, but I

9:03

mean who? Trust And no doubt Rain.

9:06

I really regret losing touch the

9:08

last year's Kirk said sincerely. I

9:11

chuckled. What did

9:13

they say would happen now. And

9:16

time stuff. I offered vaguely.

9:19

What? kind of then time staff. Lots

9:23

of water. I sighed. Water.

9:26

Eric said quietly. I

9:29

looked at him and was about to ask what else

9:31

he wasn't telling us when Judith had in. The.

9:34

Simplest answer is that the Dell is

9:36

incredibly thin right now and whatever then

9:39

set into motion is accelerating. It's either

9:41

the actual and or the last hurrah

9:43

for these demons. Darkest before the dawn

9:46

keeps paintings from my mind on repeat.

9:50

I said anthony. So. You

9:53

agree? Oh yeah,

9:55

I mean, something's coming, right?

9:57

It's then coming here like.

10:00

They're driving the stuff I know, That yes,

10:02

I agree. The darkness is only a

10:04

gun. You

10:06

guys are freaking out Eric muttered. You're.

10:09

Saying everything's going to get worse. Nutrition.

10:14

Measures All Judy. I

10:18

don't know. act push back think

10:20

my turnaround. I.

10:22

Personally, let's not lying to push too

10:24

hard. Was it fair to sprout Doom

10:26

and gloom. Wasn't fair to tell him

10:28

that I stopped propping. Aside from a

10:30

week or so is worth of food,

10:32

the hand crank radio, and snacks for

10:34

water, I can see a point anymore.

10:37

Every generation has its and time.

10:39

Fear the difference. Now is climate

10:41

change due to play Be Hanged

10:43

Darkest before the dawn All I

10:45

hear as water. It

10:47

wakes me up at night. A

10:50

slow drip, a roaring tied at

10:52

the station. Destruction. Despair. What?

10:55

Are you thinking about Eric asked? He

10:57

looks scary. Nothing

10:59

I replied shaking my head. Should we go

11:02

in and get this over with? They're.

11:05

Not gonna listen and they won't leave he

11:07

replied. So. What's

11:09

or object it is today. If

11:12

they don't want help, that's on them. I

11:15

argued. I'm more concerned with the two

11:17

of you. I think you're both under the more

11:19

than a touch of oppression. What if we just

11:21

must Now I'll call Betty Insel get in touch

11:23

with Father. Methodical. To. Death and

11:25

Eric exchange to look. Probably

11:28

not a bad idea, Eric admitted. We

11:31

have to get that one more shot. Argue

11:33

Do that. The Stanley needs help. Size

11:36

I side with: Get this over with.

11:40

Guard that judah sad as we

11:42

claimed that. But.

11:44

I was so looking forward to meeting

11:46

Eric psychotic uncle I replied dryly. Or

11:49

he's in the chapel. Eric that that missing

11:51

a beat? To

11:53

does not the door and we waited a surprising

11:56

amount of time before it opened. A little boy

11:58

stood there staring up at us. Hello

12:01

came to the sadly we come in.

12:04

To that the boy staring

12:06

daggers at me. I'm

12:09

this is our I replied disliking

12:11

the child immediately. Anything

12:14

and Co. He. He

12:17

City Hall. Who. Made

12:20

him sick, At

12:23

made a noise or disprove. To.

12:25

They couldn't. Really could

12:27

come in. She. Factor in

12:29

the blade. Without waiting for him to answer,

12:31

I can. I followed the kid. slammed the

12:33

door harder than necessary. On scurried up the

12:35

stairs to the second floor. To

12:38

to continue down the central hall. lights leading us

12:40

to a dark kitchen at the back of the

12:42

house. The tall man

12:44

who come outside earlier sad a kitchen

12:47

table, a massive papers and books scattered

12:49

before him. Well.

12:51

What did you think? He asked trapped

12:54

in a question towards me. I'm

12:57

the properties beautiful. I. Hunter,

12:59

This is this. To. The

13:01

contract at she was able to confirm

13:04

the accounts of ritual sacrifice and the

13:06

chapel. Additionally, she may have information about

13:08

the location of the to missing boys.

13:11

Will. Reach out to the local police to pass. On

13:13

information she got out. Are

13:15

they here on the property? A

13:18

woman asked making me jump. She.

13:20

Appeared in the doorway to the

13:22

adjoining dining room. She were her

13:24

extremely long dirty blonde hair half

13:26

up her deep sat ice blue

13:29

eyes were bloodshot should got fargo.

13:32

Know I said reassuringly, they aren't here

13:34

by I believe they're on a. nearby.

13:36

Property. In

13:39

the pond right. Said a small

13:41

voice. A boy about nine

13:43

or ten years old picked out from behind

13:46

his mother. That's

13:48

right, I said. Trying to

13:50

keep the secret of my place. In

13:53

our pond. Hunter demanded

13:55

standing. Know I

13:57

began. With you know about the

13:59

boy. The woman asked, turning to

14:01

her son. Nothing,

14:04

he said quickly, running off. Baron,

14:08

she yelled after him. Amelia,

14:10

Hunter said, his voice stern, let him

14:13

go. We

14:15

all stood there, unsure, the quiet

14:17

stretching out, finally unable to

14:19

stand it any longer, I said. Yes,

14:22

so you all should move. Hunter

14:26

pressed his arms defensively and shook his head. His

14:28

wife said, that's not possible.

14:32

Anything's possible, I replied, trying to keep

14:34

my tone light. Financially,

14:37

we can't make a move right now, growled

14:39

Hunter. Regardless, we're committed to the renovation

14:41

of this property. Just

14:44

the house, I asked, are you messing with the

14:47

campus buildings as well? We

14:49

plan to address all the buildings on the

14:52

property, Amelia replied. We believe once

14:54

the campus is restored, we can either rent

14:56

or sell it to a private school and

14:59

get more children killed, Judith cut in.

15:03

We would never do anything to put children

15:05

in harm, Hunter argued. You

15:07

have your kids living here right now, I

15:10

pointed out without thinking, then apologized.

15:13

I think it's best if you all wrap things up

15:15

and go, Amelia said, her voice

15:18

shaking. We appreciate your help,

15:20

Eric. I understand your interest because of the

15:22

family connection, but I don't know what

15:24

else you're hoping to accomplish here. Amelia's

15:27

right, her husband added. If you can't

15:29

offer any suggestions other than to simply

15:31

pick up and leave everything we've put

15:33

into this place behind, then I think

15:35

we're done here. A

15:38

creaking pulled my attention and I looked over at

15:40

a large wooden door. The

15:42

basement, Amelia supplied, staring at the door.

15:45

Our oldest Brie has been down there all

15:47

morning woodworking. She offered a

15:50

tight smile. The door opened

15:52

slowly and an 11 year old girl stepped

15:54

up into the kitchen, gently closing the door

15:56

behind her and sliding a chain lock in

15:58

place before turning to her. at us. Sorry,

16:02

she said, apparently apologizing for

16:04

interrupting me again. No

16:06

problem, honey, her mother offered,

16:09

obviously anxious. The

16:11

girl glanced around the room, staring at

16:13

me for too long a moment, so

16:15

I introduced myself. She

16:17

just smiled and left the kitchen without another word.

16:21

Hunter and Amelia exchanged a glance, and

16:24

I went ahead and dropped the guards I'd put

16:26

back in place before I'd entered the house. The

16:30

energy was absolutely dreadful,

16:33

tense and thick, and oppressive. I

16:36

needed to squeeze your throat to keep you from

16:38

speaking. Judith began to

16:40

explain to the couple what we'd discussed as we

16:42

walked the property, but I turned my attention to

16:44

the house. I watched

16:46

as the basement door opened, despite the

16:48

chainlock, though no one else seemed to

16:50

notice it. A short

16:52

man with severely sieged, swept, stiff hair

16:55

stepped into the kitchen. He

16:57

wiped his hands on his dark slacks. As

16:59

he closed the door behind him, I noticed that his

17:01

leather shoes trapped something dark onto the

17:03

kitchen floor. He moved

17:06

across the kitchen to a door at the back

17:08

of the house and stepped out onto a narrow

17:10

enclosed porch. I followed. He

17:13

stood surveying the backyard, that

17:15

strip of woods that stood between his

17:17

property and the school campus. I

17:20

heard low voices and rustling coming from the

17:22

woods and continued to follow him as he

17:24

strode across the yard. Stepping

17:27

over a low stone wall, he continued on

17:29

a path for a few steps, disappearing around

17:31

a tight bunch of pine trees. It

17:34

occurred to me, for the first time since

17:36

stepping outside, that it had become nighttime.

17:39

I wanted to go back out of the woods, but

17:42

felt compelled to follow. I

17:44

regretted it the second he came back into view. Six

17:47

boys stood motionless in the darkened

17:49

woods. In a single

17:51

file line, they kept their heads down, as

17:53

though not daring to make eye contact with the man.

17:57

I Didn't notice the figures on the ground

17:59

until Edgar Locked. And each one

18:01

and turned. It

18:03

down well he said in a

18:06

low dangerous place. The. Boys

18:08

remain silent. Did. Anyone

18:10

see. The boy at

18:12

the head of the line? Or for the quiet? no

18:14

sir, The. Bright moon

18:16

reflected brightly on the pond visible through the

18:19

trees behind them. More.

18:21

Silently quickly along the treeline, Edgar

18:23

ordered you'll carry them to the

18:25

chapel and will begin. Without

18:28

a word, the boy split. Into two

18:30

groups picking up the dripping Moody's

18:32

the ground A boy to each arms,

18:34

one to carry the legs. The

18:37

most efficiently I'm naturally clients.

18:39

the underbrush. Edgar

18:41

watch them for times before heading out

18:43

towards the pond where he stood hands

18:45

behind his back as though appraising a

18:48

campus. After a time

18:50

has had moved to his head. pushing aside

18:52

his overcoat, he pulled out a dagger. I

18:55

could see it clear as day in the moonlight. He

18:57

strode purposefully around the pond time a

19:00

dormitory obviously headed for the chapel. I

19:03

stood frozen in place and willing to follow

19:05

him to witness how the nightmare would continue

19:07

to unfold. Move.

19:11

To a place called gently. A

19:14

close my eyes robbing them of my

19:16

hands, desperately wanting to race and I

19:18

just witnessed. In any to

19:20

then the again and eighteen inches around me

19:22

whipped and a better. Wind the gay

19:24

say bad he and he see

19:26

mean. Each

19:29

scene things before I said shapely

19:31

that not like this. It's. One

19:33

thing to see some that people are gnomes

19:35

or talked up fucking demon and a finished

19:37

basement. A did not sign up for this.

19:41

Judith. Try to. Take my arm to leave me

19:43

out of the woods and I shook her off

19:45

and stormed back towards the house. Eric

19:47

stood on the yard a few steps

19:50

beyond the field stone wall Hunter and

19:52

Amelia just outside the back door. What

19:55

is it? Amelia called. Give

19:58

us a minute. Judith Callback. Antony.

20:01

What? Did you through? Those

20:03

boys I sort. Of fucking Little

20:06

Boy begins. I said and able

20:08

to keep my voice down despite Judith holding

20:10

her hands out as if to com me

20:12

Eric was at my side. What?

20:14

Happened. They drown those

20:16

little boys in that pond. Your uncle had

20:18

the older ones carry them to the chapel.

20:20

I don't now. I don't know what they

20:22

did to them, but they were sacrifice Keep.

20:25

Oh My. God. I said attempting to

20:27

can be so. I'm

20:29

never going to sleep again and ever going to

20:31

be letting my kids at my side again. How

20:33

can these fucking people station when they have total.

20:36

So. Judith admonished. Me

20:39

I said anger and easier choice than

20:41

the panic and fear that threatened to

20:43

overtake me. Your kids are in danger.

20:46

I stopped across the yard. the couple who

20:48

looked frightened of me of all things. You

20:51

are idiots if you stay here. Be

20:54

an issue here and he's interested in

20:56

powerful not to. Mention the little hence team

20:58

said he got hold of and Neptune If

21:00

you don't, get your kids out here immediately

21:02

and whatever happens to them, Their blood is

21:04

on your he. It's

21:07

not that simple. Amelia began. I

21:09

spun around. I'm willing to listen. I

21:13

knew I had it looked like a

21:15

raving lunatic, but I was terrified and

21:17

test I would never get those images

21:19

out of my mind. I

21:21

would angry with Eric and Judith and

21:23

those two half to death people. But

21:26

mostly I was angry with myself for

21:28

letting my guard down and ignoring judas

21:30

warning because I couldn't ignore my curiosity.

21:33

As it was, I struggled. And I

21:35

mean struggled to let my kids at

21:37

my side. school. Shootings, kidnappings, child

21:40

trafficking, pedophiles, people to. Heading

21:42

or texting in a at talking about

21:44

learning and not looking to phase and

21:46

stepping off the curb at exactly the

21:48

wrong moment. Though none of

21:50

it had happened thank god I could

21:52

still see it on my mind and

21:54

horrible possibility. That damn

21:56

it I muttered. Stocking around the front

21:58

of the house, I could hear talking

22:01

Camelia and Hunter. and since Judith falling

22:03

right behind me. I

22:05

started the car remotely with my key. Is.

22:08

To this demanded for the fuck thought.

22:11

I'm not sending another second here. I thought

22:13

I can't take it or again and

22:15

how on the low key to meet

22:17

little about. It

22:20

it. And so. Long since I had a good

22:22

old fashioned panic attack that I didn't recognize

22:24

what was happening until I was a few

22:26

miles from the house. I sat in the

22:28

car from the diner parking lots, breathing slowly

22:30

in an attempt to calm down. I

22:33

check my phone know messages with to

22:35

forty five the day had flown. The.

22:37

Kids would all be home from school and a

22:40

few minutes. I promise Chris I would be home

22:42

while before dark by left by for and make

22:44

it was time to spare. I

22:46

went inside the diner. Well.

22:49

Sounds exciting. Judah. Sad. a

22:51

few short minutes later, citing and beside me

22:53

as Eric took the booth across from us.

22:56

Are you okay? He asked. Him

23:00

Fact embarrassed, but a million times

23:02

better now that I'm away from

23:04

that hellhole. I admitted he did.

23:06

They say. Is. Scared

23:08

the hell out of I'm. Due to

23:10

provide. Of sorry. Don't

23:13

apologize. He may have shock them out of whatever

23:15

spell they've been under. A little see straight. Get

23:17

their kids out of their. A

23:20

waitress came over to take their orders. I'd

23:22

already ordered a coffee and a stack of

23:24

pancakes. Having this lunch. I

23:27

feel like you guys were tiptoeing around the

23:29

people. I said. Are you afraid of

23:31

them? That little one

23:34

scared the hell outta me. Eric admitted. Really

23:37

though I said after sitting

23:39

mccarthy. You both need to

23:41

do a cleansing or something. You'd definitely

23:43

being influenced. Maybe.

23:45

Say to disagreed So what's

23:47

the answer? My worry I'll

23:49

call down here. Eric

23:52

had a psychotic uncle and you had a dream and

23:55

then you called me. Are.

23:57

You forgetting that we caught cat's name on

23:59

that. He did it pointed out.

24:02

Well I mean did you go but it's

24:04

a cat's cradle will fall. It's

24:07

quite a coincidence, anything. How.

24:11

Involved? Are you put all this I

24:13

asked Eric. I mean the paranormal investigations?

24:16

Are you totally that out at? No?

24:19

Not really. I do a little tech stuff

24:21

here and there when people ask, but yeah,

24:23

this is the first time in a long

24:25

time I've actually gotten personally involved. right?

24:30

Well, I said sign. I think this

24:32

is explained easily enough. Your uncle was

24:34

a demon worshipping psycho who conjured something

24:36

terrible on that property, was bound to

24:39

reach out to you at some point

24:41

to try and un. And it worked.

24:43

And then you. I looked at Judas,

24:45

had a dream. and as you admit

24:48

or all having your dreams right now

24:50

because the bailiffs then because the fucking

24:52

apocalypse is on the horizon. Who.

24:55

Said anything about the apocalypse? Farecast,

24:57

nervously. Now me

24:59

to the said raising her hands

25:02

defensively. That's just a

25:04

little theory I'm working through. I said.

25:07

The waitress return with my pancakes,

25:09

eric, scrambled egg play, and judas

25:11

coffee. Young scientist

25:13

digging in. Eric

25:16

pushed his plate of food. Are

25:18

you saying this because you've had some sort

25:21

of psychic download or dream? Are you saying

25:23

this because it's your opinion? I'm

25:26

not thinking I corrected before taking a

25:28

big booty. But you've

25:30

had prophetic dreams he pointed out. We

25:33

all have to the commented you've had them

25:35

till. He stared at her

25:37

wide eyed. How do you know

25:39

that? Because. I am

25:42

psychic. Lives. Just gets pings of

25:44

knowing and talks to the dad and other

25:46

things. What? Did you

25:48

dream about. I asked A very bad

25:50

feeling running through me. Good.

25:53

Chapel. And

25:56

to that prompted. Eric

25:59

Lane for. Believe.

26:03

He had her voice. It

26:06

is a east peace and I

26:08

think I'm pretty sure. He.

26:10

Plays out like a pop up of Nhs. It's

26:12

dark out at it's a weird. Escape

26:14

do not need to the

26:17

beach bird flying. Inland, a

26:19

wave or not, a normal life

26:21

or songs and a lotta people

26:23

data and alive than water flowing

26:25

through streets and a coastal town

26:27

I think maybe name the New

26:29

York City and it must be

26:31

after because the streets are flooded

26:33

but it's silent and then a

26:36

flash and at the at a

26:38

cornfield there's a beautiful clear blue

26:40

sky over had temperatures perfect and

26:42

a nice breeze of the perfect

26:44

day and I feel moment of

26:46

relief and then I hear something.

26:48

Over had not a plane. I've never

26:50

had anything like it before. There's a

26:53

huge boom. And things. Me to

26:55

my knees, Neat entire ground shakes. Over

26:58

my eyes and I'm in San Francisco up

27:00

at the top of the hell looking down

27:02

night time and there are no lights, no

27:05

power, I can hear

27:07

someone screaming and then gunshots and

27:09

then more screaming. I

27:11

turn around and there's a line of troops

27:14

behind me, but as they come closer there

27:16

and black uniforms, I'm not sure if maybe

27:18

they're police one of them less their weapon.

27:21

You are in violation of curfew issues

27:23

So I close my eyes waiting for

27:25

the and the when I open them

27:27

back on the beach, the way this

27:29

coming towards me and it all plays

27:31

out again and again and again. Until

27:34

I like that. We.

27:37

Sat in silence. I'd actually

27:39

lost my appetite. Is

27:41

it the same every time Judith asked. It

27:44

had then. Eric admit it until

27:47

last night. Oh

27:49

great. I said. What?

27:52

Changed. Just

27:54

the very beginning. But

27:57

the new part didn't repeat through like the rest

27:59

of it does. Paypal,

28:01

so on and off it means anything. That

28:04

letter. To. The that to me. I

28:09

was in a field, the sports field

28:11

behind a high school, so that it

28:13

feels more like a memory. So and

28:15

that a group of people notice high

28:17

school kids. It's like a gathering. a

28:19

celebration. There's a countdown happening on the

28:21

football field. scoreboard. There are four minutes

28:23

and eight seconds left. When I first

28:25

look at, a woman comes by the

28:27

basket of classes. I take a pair

28:29

and she hands them out to all

28:31

the people around me and she thinks,

28:33

don't look at it without those glasses

28:35

And I have a voice And she

28:37

has a southern. Accent. Their

28:40

kids running around for the clouds with

28:42

these cute had bans on. A

28:44

somebody on one side and a moon on the other.

28:47

And I'm thinking that a nice community.

28:49

The says there's music playing but I

28:51

don't really notice until someone turns it

28:54

off and said that the countdown begin.

28:57

A sky darkens slowly as we come

28:59

down from sixty of own has a

29:01

glasses on. It gets darker and darker.

29:04

I should be looking up, but I'm

29:06

not. I'm looking around at everyone else

29:08

and then office and I'm terrified. Their

29:10

oohs and ahs as we get down

29:12

to Zero Zero hats. Their. Silence

29:14

and then I'm on the

29:16

beach and the cycle begins.

29:20

They're shiny then. Do. The said

29:22

after a long moment of silence. Maybe.

29:25

It's just a dream. I. Suggested trying

29:27

to convince myself. It

29:30

doesn't feel like a dream, Eric admitted.

29:33

That made it's a symbolic. Said.

29:36

He. Refers to do Eric asked. I

29:40

suggest we pay the bill and go home. To

29:42

the for pod. I need

29:44

to pick up some things that that house said

29:47

Eric. Judith. Shook her

29:49

head. You. Have

29:51

a chance to leave any. Me to take it. I'm

29:53

not saying that families and and trouble and deserves

29:55

helps but we aren't going to be the ones

29:57

to get it. I'll have that he some mechanical

29:59

down. there. They don't

30:01

trust religious figures, Eric pointed out. Neither

30:04

do I, said Judith. But given the way

30:07

this is all played out, I think we're

30:09

all being given a chance to focus

30:11

our attention on what actually matters. This is

30:13

like a specifically designed trap to keep

30:15

us distracted. Maybe

30:18

it's just a distraction to you, but

30:20

I know there's a reason I came

30:22

down here. Edgar Locke was my uncle.

30:24

When you didn't know anything about until you

30:26

started looking into it, right? I argued. Did

30:29

you even know you had an uncle? No, my

30:32

mom never even mentioned having a brother, but would you bring

30:34

him up if he was your brother? No,

30:37

I conceded. But something

30:40

is just off here. Everything

30:42

in me wanted to turn around the second I

30:44

started the drive down. We shouldn't be here. None

30:47

of us. Eric shook his head. I

30:50

can't just leave this unfinished. But

30:53

what else can you possibly do? You've been here

30:55

two weeks. You've documented all you can. They won't

30:57

listen to your advice. The

30:59

family he began. Judith will call

31:02

an exorcist. You've done your best. There's absolutely no

31:04

reason for you to put yourself in any further

31:06

danger. Eric slammed his

31:08

palm against the table. I

31:10

hear you. All right. I get it. I'm

31:13

not just going to abandon the campus. Judith

31:16

and I exchanged a lock. There

31:19

it is. She said quietly. Eric

31:22

closed his eyes. I'm

31:24

sorry. I'm exhausted. And you're

31:28

not thinking clearly. I pressed.

31:30

Please listen to us. Besides,

31:33

Judith added, if that reoccurring

31:35

dream of yours holds even an ounce of

31:37

accuracy, why would you want to

31:39

waste another second on this demonic uncle of

31:42

yours? Let him rot. We're going to

31:44

need all the energy we can get to face what's coming.

31:47

Hey. Startled, I

31:50

looked over, expecting to see the waitress. It

31:53

was Claire. What's wrong?

31:55

I demanded. Everything is fine,

31:57

but you just need to head home. What

32:00

happened? Who was she talking

32:02

to? Eric asked, looking thoroughly

32:04

freaked out. Her guide,

32:06

Judith said, moving so that I could get out of

32:08

the booth. I reached into my jacket

32:10

pocket for my wallet and took out money to put on

32:13

the table. As I did, my cell phone

32:15

began buzzing. I looked at

32:17

Claire, panicked. It's fine,

32:19

she insisted. Hello, I

32:22

said, answering the phone. Hey,

32:24

are you home already? No,

32:27

what's going on? Huh,

32:30

Max just called and said you were standing across the

32:32

street. Why aren't you

32:34

home? I nearly screeched. Chris

32:37

explained he had to pick up a set of keys and

32:39

need them from a client and that he left Max in

32:41

charge. I'm still

32:43

in Connecticut, I told him, my voice

32:45

shaking. How long will it take you to get home? I'll

32:48

be there in five minutes. Okay,

32:51

call me as soon as you get home. Go right inside.

32:53

You told him to stay inside, right? Yeah,

32:56

Joey saw you and went to open the door,

32:59

but Kat stopped her. Jesus

33:01

Christ, I whispered. I'm

33:03

sorry, I'm leaving right now. I'll be home in two hours.

33:08

What's happening at home? Asked Judith. The

33:11

girl saw me standing across the street from the house.

33:15

Shit, Eric muttered. Who

33:19

the hell is that? Claire asked,

33:21

moving back from the table. Oh,

33:23

that's Eric. He worked for Biddy. I've

33:26

known him since not him,

33:28

that guy. She

33:30

pointed just to the right of Eric, who looked

33:33

positively terrified watching me talk to what he only

33:35

saw as thin air. I

33:37

stared and then a face came

33:39

into focus. There was a

33:41

man sitting beside Eric in the booth. Judith

33:44

gasped. What? What

33:46

the hell are you looking at? Eric yelled,

33:49

causing a few diners to stare. I

33:52

didn't know he was there, I said. How

33:55

could you miss him? Claire demanded. I'm

33:57

going back to the house to keep an eye on things. they're

34:00

safe. Nothing can cross the protections you have in

34:02

place." And she

34:04

was gone, leaving us with Edgar

34:06

Locke's ghost. "'I

34:10

think you have an attachment,' Judith told

34:12

Eric. The ghost snarled. Eric

34:15

shook his head.

34:17

"'Not possible. I never take my medallion off. It's

34:19

been blessed.' He pulled a chain

34:21

holding the St. Benedict's medal out from under his shirt.

34:25

"'That may be, but he's here all the same.' "'Who?'

34:29

"'Your uncle,' I said, quietly

34:31

sliding into the booth beside Judith. "'You

34:34

need to go home. I'll call Biddy on the

34:36

way. We need to get you out of this place.' "'I

34:40

can't bring something home to Noah.' "'Then

34:43

you'll stay at a hotel until it's sorted,'

34:45

Judith said matter-of-factly. "'Liz is right. This has

34:47

been a distraction to get us away from

34:49

home.' She motioned to the waitress

34:51

for the check. "'You go,' she told me. I'll

34:53

follow to make sure he makes it back safely. "'I

34:56

need to pack up my equipment at the house,' Eric

34:59

argued. "'You have to get out

35:01

of here while you still can,' I insisted,

35:03

knowing deep in my bones that it might already be

35:06

too late. This

35:19

has been Ghost and the Burbs. Goodnight,

35:22

sleep tight, and don't forget your nightlight.

35:26

And be careful out there, watching the eclipse. See

35:28

you on the other side.